Roundabout Partially Open 

A new traffic pattern was in effect last week at the intersection of Olive Mill Road, Coast Village Road, North Jameson Lane, and Highway 101, marking a significant turning point in the construction of the Olive Mill Roundabout. On Wednesday, May 17, the roundabout was opened partially to traffic, while construction work continues on the northwest and northeast corners of the intersection. 

While many drivers are eager for the traffic issues at the intersection and down Coast Village Road to improve, Caltrans announced last week that the construction of Highway 101 through Montecito will begin mid-June, with a meeting to review construction staging scheduled for Thursday, June 1, at 4 pm at Montecito Inn, 1295 Coast Village Road. We’ll have more about the staging as the beginning of construction commences. 

This is the final segment of the 101 widening project, and is funded by Federal, State, and local Measure A transportation funds. This project will add a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction from the Romero Creek Bridge north to Olive Mill Road along with new on- and off-ramps. There will also be northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes (lanes connecting on-ramps and off-ramps to improve merging) between San Ysidro and Olive Mill roads. New bridges will be built over Romero, San Ysidro, and Oak creeks.

For more information, visit www.sbroads.com.